Get Outside (Yourself): Thriving in November
By
Elizabeth Bassett

What's missing in November? Just about everything- light, warmth,
flowers, colorful foliage, snow. In "The Vermont Weather Book," Robert
Ludlum remarks that in November, "cloudiness reaches a maximum for the
year, sunshine is at a minimum, and general gloomy conditions pervade
atmospheric Vermont." Temperatures trend downward from October through
November, decreasing about 12 degrees to the mid-thirties. One
November day in 1938 the mercury reached -3° in Burlington. And that's
the good news.
Do you start yawning at 3:00pm and fall asleep over the newspaper at
7:30pm? Have you been gorging on those candy bars left over from
Halloween? If you are sleeping excessively, having difficulty staying
awake, overeating, feeling sad, and have a loss of interest in
activities that you usually enjoy, you have lots of company. Every
autumn between 10 and 20 percent of the American population succumbs
to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depression or downturn of mood
that accompanies colder and darker weather. Millions more suffer
milder but related symptoms.
What's to do? I can't promise roses, fresh-picked strawberries, or a
crimson maple tree, but heat and light are available outside your
door. Vermont still has between ten and eleven hours of possible
sunlight each day (yes, the worst is yet to come) and you can generate
your own heat by taking a brisk walk. Consider moving your desk or
workspace in front of a bright window. Some sufferers try light or
phototherapy, spending 20 to 60 minutes each day in front of a light
box. Don't mess with serious depression- if those you care about show
symptoms of severe depression, they should be treated by a health care
professional.
A few places to walk that are likely to be safe during hunting season:
Burlington's Ethan Allen Homestead and the Intervale. Park at the
Intervale, just beyond the McNeil generating plant, at the trailhead
of the Rena Calkins Trail. A dirt farm road leads north past the
Intervale Compost Project and acres of active farmland. Scarlet
foliage may still cling to blueberry plants and rows of leek and
Brussels sprouts await harvest. Trails wind along the meanders of the
Winooski River to the far end of the Ethan Allen Homestead, a distance
of several miles, making possible loops of various lengths.
Causeway Park, Colchester- Another walk of several miles "into" Lake
Champlain, along the former route of the Rutland Railroad. Great
views, far- Adirondacks and Green Mountains, and near- waterfowl and
the occasional late-season boater.
Trail Around Middlebury- TAM. Threading across farmland, Middlebury
College properties, parks, and public preserves, TAM is a 14-mile
circuit as varied as it is long. Ridge-top vistas, waterfalls,
gamboling sheep, and woodlands are among the features enroute.
In theory, two UVM Natural Areas, East Woods in South Burlington and
Centennial Woods in Burlington, should be gun-free, but I have seen
shell casings in Centennial Woods. Always wear hunter's orange when
outdoors at this time of year.
Positive psychology, as its name implies, focuses on the good aspects
of life. It also acknowledges that each life has it peaks and valleys
and it does not ignore the valleys. Its practitioners examine what
makes life worth living, focusing on positive emotion, virtues, and
strengths. Consider for a moment your blessings- your dog (or cat or
Cockatoo) loves you, there's enough oil in the tank to keep the house
warm, you drove from Shelburne to I-189 this morning without stopping
for a single red light!
In his book "Learned optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your
Life," Dr. Martin Seligman, a pioneer of positive psychology,
recommends mental exercises that tone the optimism muscles.
If you can't get outdoors, get outside yourself. Reach beyond
self-help to helping others. Donate time or money to organizations
that make a difference. Volunteer to brighten someone else's day. In
all likelihood yours will be brightened too.
The United Way of Chittenden County maintains a list of volunteer
opportunities, one-time and long-term, on its website
www.unitedwaycc.org, or call the Volunteer Center at 860-1677.
Currently on offer, 614 opportunities at 266 agencies. A sampling:
cook or bake at Burlington's Ronald McDonald House; sing, dance, tell
stories, or make music for the elderly at the Converse Home; wrap
gifts to benefit several local agencies: Howard Center for Human
Services, Burlington Emergency Shelter, Community Health Center of
Burlington, Vermont CARES, and Lund Family Center. Don't forget
mentoring at Charlotte Central School, developing an ongoing
relationship with a CCS student.
Are you 55 or older? RSVP (within the United Way website) offers
personalized service, finding meaningful volunteer activities geared
to your interests, skills, and talents.
Young people in this country donate an astonishing 2.4 billion
volunteer hours annually. Young volunteers do better in school and are
more likely to graduate and vote. The United Way website also offers a
listing of youth volunteer opportunities.
You're bound to feel better if you clean out the attic, basement, or
the front closet The United Way coordinates GoodsMatch (within their
website), a clearinghouse for donations. Got five-gallon buckets,
two-by-fours, sleeping bags, or a sewing machine? GoodsMatch can find
them a home. No Internet access? Call Christie at 864-7541.
Adopt a family or individual and make the holidays brighter, also at
www.unitedwaycc.org.
Save gas and lend a hand without leaving town. The Charlotte Food
Shelf is preparing baskets for the upcoming holidays. If you can help
on Friday, November 17, from 9:00 to 11:00am, call Jane Becker at
425-5157. To volunteer on Thursday, December 21, from 9:00 am to noon,
contact Marilyn Holmberg at 425-3469.

Mentoring at Charlotte Central School. Carol Conard at 425-2771,
voice mailbox 320.
Calculate your personal happiness quotient at a University of
Pennsylvania website: www.authentichappiness.org
"Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life" Vintage
2006 reprint of 1990 book, $14 in paperback.
Trail Around Middlebury. Map at Middlebury Area Land Trust, 27 N.
Pleasant Street, 8:30-5, weekdays. 338-1007.